Does It Snow in San Diego?
Have you been asking, “Does it snow in San Diego”? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Does It Snow In San Diego?
Generally, no. But San Diego has experienced small amounts of snowfall or snow flurries 5 times in the past 125+ years.
If you look at San Diego County instead of just the city, there is snowfall in the mountainous regions like Ramona and Julian.
Has It Ever Snowed In San Diego?
Back in 2008 snow flurries were seen, but did not accumulate. The last snowfall where any measurable amount of snow has fallen was back in 1967.
In the Laguna Mountains, Cuyamaca Mountains, and Palomar Mountain, snowfall occurs regularly at elevations above 3000 feet. Generally the higher the elevation, the more snowfall will occur.
Why Doesn’t San Diego Get Snow?
San Diego’s climate is most similar to the Mediterranean, but a little drier in the winters than other areas with this same climate type.
San Diego’s average temperatures in the Winter are 47 degrees and above, so for the most part, it’s just too warm in San Diego to experience snow.
The lowest temperature ever recorded in San Diego was 25 degrees back in 1913.
Where Can I See Snow In San Diego?
If you’re in the San Diego area and you want to see snow, you’ll have to venture out to the mountains.
☑️ Mt. Laguna
Mt. Laguna gets the most snowfall of any other place in San Diego. It’s located over 6,000 feet above sea level, which is what allows for so much snow.
There are plenty of trails up there, so rent some snowshoes to get out and about. Mt. Laguna is only about an hour from San Diego.
☑️ Julian, California
Julian is just a little further out from San Diego than Ramona. It’s typically about an hour and 20 minutes to an hour and a half, or 60-70 miles.
☑️ Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
This state park is about an hour from San Diego. It’s nice for a day outside of the city or as a stop while you’re visiting the other mountain towns around San Diego County.
☑️ Palomar Mountain
Palomar Mountain is about an hour and a half from San Diego. They have a nice Observatory up there as well.
Snow Resorts Near San Diego
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough snowfall in the San Diego area for winter sport resorts.
You’ll have to travel up North just past the LA and Orange County areas, which can be anywhere from about 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours.
➡️ Mountain High Ski Resort
Mountain High East Ski Resort, located in the San Gabriel Mountains, has 5 ski lifts that will take you to slopes for a variety of skill levels.
The elevation here is mostly between 6,500 – 8,000 feet, which is why they get plentiful snow and San Diego does not.
➡️ Snow Summit Ski Resort
Snow Summit Ski Resort is roughly 100 miles outside of LA, in the San Bernardino Mountains. There are 11 ski lifts that will take you to slopes for a variety of skill levels.
The elevation here is mostly between 7,000-8,000 feet, which is why they get plentiful snow and San Diego does not.
➡️ Snow Valley Mountain Ski Resort
Snow Valley Mountain Ski Resort is in the San Bernardino National Forest. They have 13 ski lifts that take you to slopes for a variety of skill levels.
The elevation is mostly between 7,000 – 7,500 feet, which is why there is plentiful snow fall that San Diego does not get.
Other Winter Activities In San Diego
Though the climate might make you feel otherwise, the Winter season still exists in San Diego, especially for the holidays. These are some of the best things to in Winter in San Diego.
✔️ December Nights at San Diego’s Balboa Park
December Nights takes place in Balboa Park Friday December 2nd from 3 pm -11 pm and Saturday December 3rd from 11 am – 11 pm. This family friendly festival is completely free to attend.
Enjoy plenty of holiday lights, attractions, and food while you’re here.
✔️ Parade of Lights in San Diego Bay
Another yearly event in San Diego is the boat parade in San Diego Bay called Parade of Lights. This year it will take place December 11th and December 18th.
Here is the parade route for this year. No matter where you choose to watch the parade, it’ll last for about an hour to an hour and a half.
- Shelter Island (start of parade) 5:30 p.m.
- Harbor Island 6:00 p.m.
- The Embarcadero 6:30 p.m.
- Seaport Village 7:00 p.m.
- The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park 7:15 p.m.
- Ferry Landing on Coronado 7:30 p.m
✔️ SeaWorld San Diego
At SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration there are several new events this year. A Stocking Full of Soul is a new show in Mission Bay Theater and A Joyous Celebration is a new show in the Nautilus Amphitheater.
Mrs. Claus also has her own Christmas Cavalcade throughout the park. There are also 2 acapella Christmas caroling groups making surprise appearances throughout the park.
Twice a night, enjoy the Donner and Blitzen Lazer Light Show and the week of Christmas enjoy a new Christmas Wish Fireworks Show.
Back from previous celebrations is the Holiday Brass band, Santa’s Village, Santa’s Live Reindeer, Tunnel of Lights, Rudolph’s Christmastown, Holly Jolly Marketplace, and a Reindeer Round-up Scavenger Hunt.
Even more events from previous years are Animal Presentations with a Holiday Twist, The Christmas Shoppe, special holiday food and drinks, a nightly tree lighting, and snowfall throughout the park.
✔️ Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is obviously a year-round activity, but what’s unique about wine tasting in the Winter is that many wineries and tasting rooms will offer mulled wine, which is like a warm, spiced wine.
Our favorite San Diego wine tasting spot is Rose’s Tasting Room in Old Town San Diego. If you’re venturing outside of San Diego, we recommend Turtle Rock Ridge Winery.
The towns of Julian and Ramona also have quite a few wineries and tasting rooms spread throughout. We’ve been to quite a few!
✔️ Whale Watching
Down in San Diego, you can expect to see grey whales, blue whales, and fin whales throughout December.
Throughout the Winter season you’ll get quite a variety of sea life passing through, so it’s an activity you can do over and over and have a different experience each time.
👉 Click Here To Book Your San Diego Whale Watching Cruise Today!
See The Best Of San Diego With GoCity
A great way to see all that San Diego has to offer is with a GoCity Pass!
We’ve used them in several cities and it’s a great way to get discounted deals on many attractions around town.
GoCity attractions cards offer included admission to over 400 top attractions, activities, tours, and museums for one low price!
Save up to 50% compared to buying separate tickets at the attractions and receive a free full-color guide book with your purchase.
Choose from two options: Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass offers admission to top attractions and activities for one low price with a savings of up to 50%.
Build Your Own Pass allows you to customize a pass and save up to 20% on top attractions!
👉 Click Here To Get Your GoCity San Diego Pass Today!
Check Out More Things To Do Around San Diego
San Diego is one of the best sightseeing towns in the US. There is so much to see and do.
✅ San Diego Weekend Itinerary
This weekend itinerary showcases the best of what San Diego has to offer and how you can see as much as possible in just one weekend.
✅ San Diego Zoo and La Jolla Day Trip
The San Diego Zoo is iconic! If you’ve never been it’s a must.
👉 Click Here To Book Your 1 Day Ticket To The San Diego Zoo Today!
Check Out More Things To Do Near San Diego
Just outside of San Diego there are so many unique small towns to visit.
✅ The 27 Best Things To Do In California In December
Surprisingly, a handful of things on this list can be done in or near San Diego!
✅ How To Have The Best Weekend in Oceanside, California
Oceanside is just a short drive to the North of San Diego. It’s a great beach town with great whale watching opportunities.
✅ Things To Do In Julian In The Fall
Julian is one of the mountain towns we mentioned before that occasionally sees some snow and is great for wine tasting. It’s a relic from the gold mining days!
✅ Ramona Valley Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Ramona is the other small town we mentioned that is great for wine tasting. It’s such a new wine growing region that most family wine businesses are still their side hustles, but they’re already award winning!
Best Places To Eat In San Diego
You’ve gotta eat while you’re in town right? Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to soak up the views, we’ve got you covered.
✅ The 5 Best Birthday Restaurants in San Diego
As someone who has celebrated multiple birthdays in San Diego, you can’t go wrong with this one.
✅ The 11 Best Restaurants in San Diego With A View
From San Diego Bay views to city skyline views on the rooftops, all of these restaurants offer scenic views you’ll love.
Conclusion: Does It Snow In San Diego?
In conclusion, no it doesn’t snow in the city limits of San Diego. But if you head out to the mountains you’ll see some in the Winter.
